Flipping the script: how changing your reaction can change everything

Life throws challenges that can really shake our confidence or get us down. This University Mental Health Day, our focus is all about flipping the script. 

By using self-compassionate language, we can change our reactions and outlook on life. This small change can make a big difference, helping us to feel more hopeful and motivated.

Ever heard of the facial feedback hypothesis? It's a fascinating concept in psychology that suggests even smiling can trick your brain into feeling happier. Researchers have found that smiling—even when you don't feel like it—can lift your mood by convincing your brain that you're happy. This demonstrates how small changes in our behaviour can profoundly impact our emotional state.

The idea that we can control our emotions isn't new. It goes way back. An ancient Greek philosopher, Epictetus, once said, "It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters." This guy was onto something. It's all about what we choose to do with what life throws at us. We have the power to look at a tough situation and see it as a chance to learn and grow. This empowerment is at the heart of flipping the script.

Take, for example, getting a grade back on Canvas Student that's lower than you hoped. It stings, right? You might think, "Seeing my grade and realising I'm below the mean is disheartening. I feel less capable than my classmates."

But what if you flipped that script? "This grade is just one moment in time. It shows me where I need to improve, and I'm up for the challenge. It's all about getting better, not just chasing numbers."

Mixing a little psychology with some good old-fashioned wisdom, we can see how our reactions influence our experiences. This University Mental Health Day, why not be more mindful of how we respond to what happens around us? Instead of just going with the flow of reactions, let's try to steer our own paths. Turning challenges into opportunities to grow stronger, smarter, and healthier—give it a go; what have you got to lose?